Opera splendor in Graz: Premiere of Wozzeck” and Rosenkavalier”!

Opera splendor in Graz: Premiere of Wozzeck” and Rosenkavalier”!

The Graz Opera has presented its season for 2025/26 with a diverse program. The focus is on the opera “Der Rosenkavalier” by Richard Strauss, which premiered on January 26, 1911 and features a libretto by Hugo von Hofmannsthal. Strauss, who lived from 1864 to 1949, is considered one of the most important composers of his time, and his works reflect the tension between romanticism and modernism. In Graz, the role of Sophie is played by Tetiana Miyus, while Wilfried Zelinka plays Baron Ochs and Polina Pastirchak plays the Marschallin.

“Der Rosenkavalier” tells the story of Octavian, a 17-year-old lover of the Marschallin, who is hired as a Rosenkavalier for the brutal Baron Ochs in order to present his fiancée Sophie a silver rose. The plot unfolds in Vienna in the 1740s and addresses complex human relationships and the transition from youth to adulthood. The work highlights female voices and remains one of the most popular pieces in the repertoire to this day.

Festivals and premieres

The 2025/26 season of the Graz Opera not only includes “Der Rosenkavalier”, but also a number of extraordinary premieres and events. Alban Berg's “Wozzeck” premieres on February 13th, directed by Evgeny Titov and starring Annette Dasch in the leading role as Marie. Jean-Philippe Rameau's “Castor et Pollux” will also be shown on April 11th, directed by Bernhard Forck.

Ballet director Dirk Elwert is also planning the premiere of “La Divina Comedia” on January 17th, and the fresh work “Modern Times” will premiere on May 20th. The classic musicals also find their place in the program, including “On the Town” on October 21st and Emmerich Kálmán’s “Arizona Lady” directed by Christian Thausing.

Anniversaries and special performances

A special highlight is the 75th anniversary of the Graz Philharmonic, which is celebrating with an opening concert on September 20th under the motto “Eroica” based on Beethoven's third piano concerto, as well as works by Richard Strauss and Mahler. The final concert on June 27th is entitled “Freedom!” and offers a diverse program selection that includes Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 and Bernstein's "Age of Anxiety."

The “Aufsteirern” customs festival with the Graz Philharmonic Orchestra and the Herbert Pixner Project on September 12th as well as a concert performance of “Moscow, Tscherjomuschki” on October 4th under the moderation of Harald Schmidt promise a cultural festival for visitors. In addition, the operetta “My Favorite Animal is called Winter” will continue on March 22nd, and the first three episodes can be streamed for free on the Graz Opera website.

Despite the challenges posed by cuts in the cultural budget for 2025, as Lenz emphasizes, the coming season is already set and promises a rich cultural offering that takes visitors into the world of classical music and opera.